Check compatibility

MacBook introduced in late 2009 or laterMacBook Air introduced in late 2010 or laterMacBook Pro introduced in mid 2010 or laterMac mini introduced in mid 2010 or lateriMac introduced in late 2009 or laterMac Pro introduced in mid 2010 or later

To find your Mac model, memory, storage space, and macOS version, choose About This Mac from the Apple () menu. If your Mac isn't compatible with macOS Sierra, the installer will let you know.

Make a backup

Before installing any upgrade, it’s a good idea to back up your Mac. Time Machine makes it simple, and other backup methods are also available. Learn how to back up your Mac.

Get connected

It takes time to download and install macOS, so make sure that you have a reliable Internet connection. If you're using a Mac notebook computer, plug it into AC power.

Download macOS Sierra

For the strongest security and latest features, find out whether you can upgrade to macOS Mojave, the latest version of the Mac operating system.

If you still need macOS Sierra, use this App Store link: Get macOS Sierra. To download it, your Mac must be using macOS High Sierra or earlier.

Begin installation

After downloading, the installer opens automatically.

Click Continue and follow the onscreen instructions. You might find it easiest to begin installation in the evening so that it can complete overnight, if needed.

Allow installation to complete

Please allow installation to complete without putting your Mac to sleep or closing its lid. Your Mac might restart, show a progress bar, or show a blank screen several times as it installs both macOS and related updates to your Mac firmware.

Learn more

If you have hardware or software that isn't compatible with macOS Sierra, you might be able to install the previous version, OS X El Capitan.

macOS Sierra won't install on top of a later version of macOS, but you can erase your disk first or install on another disk.